Editor’s Note
This article reports on the inauguration of India Stonemart 2026, a major international trade event for the stone industry in Jaipur.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma formally inaugurated India Stonemart 2026 at the Mugdha Convention Hall of the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura, in the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. This marked the official commencement of the four-day international stone industry event scheduled from February 5 to 8.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries from India and abroad, including Industry Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Education Minister Madan Dilawar, Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Shikhar Agrawal, Principal Secretary (Mines Department) T. Ravikant, RIICO Executive Director Dr. Akash Tomar, Laghu Udyog Bharati Organization Secretary Prakash Chandra, RK Marble Chairman Ashok Patni, renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, India Stonemart 2026 Convener Natwarlal Ajmera, and CeDOSS Vice President Deepak Ajmera.
Following the inauguration, in his address, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that India Stonemart is not merely a trade event but a shared platform for Indian culture, craft tradition, and industrial strength. He said the world now sees India as an investment destination and market, with natural resources like marble and sandstone becoming emerging areas for investment.
The Chief Minister informed that 85 types of minerals are found in Rajasthan, and almost every district has its distinct stone identity. Stones from Rajasthan have been used in prestigious buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court. He stated that the greatest feature of Rajasthan’s stone is its long-term durability and low maintenance.
Sharing the vision of ‘One District–One Product’ and ‘One District–One Stone’, the Chief Minister spoke about providing special encouragement to the MSME sector. He listed worker respect, fair wages, safety, and skill development among the government’s priorities. He called upon the industry to adopt modern technology to take Rajasthan’s stone to the global market, assuring them of the government’s full cooperation.
In his address, Industry Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said Rajasthan is a state where there is no need to write history, as the stones here speak for themselves. He informed that India Stonemart, which began in 2007, has now reached its 13th edition and has become a global platform.
He stated that this year, 66 international companies from countries including Iran, Italy, Turkey, and China are participating in the event, reflecting its global identity. He clarified that the Rajasthan government is fully committed to promoting the stone industry, and here “files run, not entrepreneurs.”
The Shilpgram event organized by the Rural Non-Farm Development Agency (RUDRA) under India Stonemart 2026 was a major attraction. Artisans from various districts of Rajasthan showcased their traditional art, handicrafts, and construction techniques in a lively display. The Chief Minister and other guests observed Shilpgram and appreciated this initiative.
India Stonemart 2026 is hosting B2B meetings, industry dialogues, export-investment discussions, and networking sessions. Buyers, architects, infrastructure developers, and stone industry experts from India and abroad showed keen interest in the exhibition. The event is being held over the largest area to date.
The first day of India Stonemart 2026 was highly successful and enthusiastic. Technical sessions, industry dialogues, and export-focused programs will be organized in the coming days.
At the end of the ceremony, Convener Natwarlal Ajmera presented a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, ministers, guests, participants, media, and all associates involved in the event.